The 2023 Italian Football League (IFL) season left us with the Parma Panthers' historic victory in the Italian Bowl played in Toledo,Ohio. It was undoubtedly an exciting and surprise-filled year, but the new season is now approaching, and expectations are high. With 9 teams competing for the championship, I've categorized them into three groups based on my point of view: Contenders, Solid Teams, and Underdogs.
2024 IFL CONTENDERS
Panthers Parma , Guelfi Firenze, Dolphins Ancona
PANTHERS PARMA: The Panthers, coming off their championship win last season, remain one of the favorites to clinch the title. Demonstrating both offensive and defensive solidity and led by Head Coach Brian Michitti, they aim to build on their success from the previous season. Reconfirming Michitti as HC, along with new Assistant Offensive Coordinator Jon Eagle, and Defensive Coordinator Daniele Rossi, the Panthers are in good shape to continue their success. With the addition of 4 American imports, they aim to enhance their chances, especially in preparation for the CEFL championship, which the team certainly wants to win this year.
GUELFI FIRENZE: Last season's runners-up showed offensive strength characterized by a powerful offensive line and running plays led by Quarterback Jared Gerbino. Despite the bad defeat in the Italian bowl, the Guelfies, after restoring their logo, immediately made good trades. They signed American wide receiver Ryan De Luca and offensive linemen Robert Macaj & Mohamed Kane to strengthen an offensive unit that already demonstrated a lot in the previous season. On the defensive front, the Guelfi secured the return of Defensive Back Dejion Lynch, and made significant signings, including Diego Rinaldi (Linebacker) and Giacomo Insom (Defensive Lineman and captain of the Italian National Team ), both from Seamen Milano in the ELF.
DOLPHINS ANCONA: The Dolphins Ancona are no longer a surprise in the Italian championship, through the years they have established themselves as one of the most solid teams in the IFL. This is attributed to a roster comprising both talented young players and seasoned league veterans. There are numerous updates and confirmations for the Ancona team this season, starting with the new logo, the signings of Americans Hayden Kelly (Linebacker) and Bo Sanders (Defensive Back), and the confirmation for the fourth consecutive year of American Quarterback Colin Digalbo, now a veteran of the team. Through the years, the Dolphins have consistently demonstrated efficiency in selecting imports, and this, combined with the availability of young Italian talents, has made them, game after game, an increasingly challenging team to beat. Is this the year for the Dolphins Ancona to secure a championship victory?
2024 IFL SOLID TEAMS
Skorpions Varese, Rhinos Milano, Marines Lazio
SKORPIONS VARESE: The surprise of 2023, the Skorpions Varese enter their second IFL season after reaching the semifinals in their debut year. Last season Varese showed the great ability to win close games despite playing without an American player in defense. Factors contributing to their solidity include team unity, strong youth teams, and Head Coach Nick Holt's leadership. Key signings from Seamen Milano like linebacker Nicolò Fonti and Free Safety Christian Sottura on defense , Offensive Lineman Edoardo Sandonati on offense, and the addition of Quarterback Ryan Griffin, an ex-NFL player from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, raise expectations for Skorpions Varese. The question remains: is the hype justified, or is Varese truly ready for the big step?
RHINOS MILANO: Despite struggling in 2023 due to offensive and defensive inconsistencies, Rhinos Milano has made strategic moves in the offseason. Thanks to the hard work of Head Coach Christian Nobile and the team’s community, notable Italian players, including Defensive lineman Claudio Nicola, Running back Manuel Savoia, and Offensive lineman Matteo Lodovichi, have joined the team. The signing of Quarterback Hamish McClure from the University of Nevada, and experienced coaches like Offensive Coordinator Khalil Steward and Advisory Coach Brian Pariani adds strength to the Rhinos Milano lineup. If they find offensive rhythm and defensive solidity, Rhinos Milano could be a difficult opponent this season.
MARINES LAZIO: The 2023 season for the former Ducks Lazio was not brilliant. The team from Rome faced various challenges due to defensive injuries, lack of experience in the offense, and the absence of a solid offensive line, making it difficult to establish a good rhythm throughout the season. The new year began with a rebranding of the logo and name, transitioning from Ducks to Marines Lazio, and a victory in the youth championship COPPA ITALIA, where the Marines dominated with a significant offensive strength. The expectations for the team this season revolve around the talent of the young players, combined with the crucial signings of new imports, Linebacker Jaren Banks and Defensive Back Charlie Dallape from Vanderbilt (Division 1), and the re-signing of Quarterback Austin Albericci, who showed great performances last year. It is hoped that these factors will be winning elements for the Marines, helping them perform better than demonstrated in the last season.
2024 IFL UNDERDOGS
Warriors Bologna, Frogs Legnano, Giaguari Torino
WARRIORS BOLOGNA: The union with Vipers Modena in the "Stainless Steel Warriors Romagna" project last season was nothing short of a failure. The expectations for the project were high, but the team won just two games (one of which was a forfeit by Frogs Legnano).This year, Warriors Bologna, after ending the collaboration with Vipers, return to the IFL, announcing Samuele Rigato as Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator, and Renato Gargiulo as Defensive Coordinator. Both are highly experienced names in the Italian panorama. The team has also signed Americans Ashley Brooks (quarterback) and Warren Bartlett (linebacker). The Bologna team is an unknown entity in this championship, and it is hard to predict how the season will go. Therefore, the first home game on March 2nd against Giaguari Torino will provide answers about the true value of the team.
FROGS LEGNANO: With a season marked by ups and downs, the Frogs Legnano had some difficulties finding a good rhythm during the 2023 year. The team, full of young talents, struggled with the inexperience in the IFL championship, being in their inaugural season. They alternated between excellent performances, characterized by great performances from American Quarterback Eystin Salum, and heavy defeats. The Frogs' season begins with the signings of three key Italian players from Seamen Milano: Offensive lineman Marco Colombo (European champion with the Italian National Team), Free Safety Tommaso Calegari, and Cornerback Saad Alí. Additionally, they announced the signing of two high-level US imports: Damon Sheehy Giuseppi from the Cleveland Browns and Quarterback Eystin Salum, mentioned previously. These signings strengthen the Legnano team and raise expectations for their performance. Despite being considered underdogs, will they manage to secure a spot in the IFL 2024 playoffs?
GIAGUARI TORINO: The Giaguari Torino is the only new entry from IFL2 in this championship series this year. Last season, they lost the semifinal in the second division against Aquile Ferrara. Despite this, they decided to take the big step and return to IFL after a 4 year hiatus. The Giaguari's season begins with the signings of former ELF players, both on defense and offense, such as wide receivers Tamsir Seck, Andrea Serra, and Lorenzo Bassi, Linebacker Enzo Mensah, and Cornerbacks Felix Proulx and Bismark Yeboah. Concerning American imports, Defensive Lineman Luke Dunsmoor and Tight End Adrian Tolber have been announced. These significant additions to the roster raise expectations considerably for the Torino team, which will show a mix of young talents and players with considerable European experience. Therefore, in my opinion, despite being defined as underdogs, the Giaguari will be a significant surprise in this season.
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